Star Dou Great Forest,
Two dimly lit carriages rolled steadily away from the depths of the Star Dou Great Forest, wheels creaking rhythmically against the uneven dirt trail.
The sound of wooden axles blended with the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a slow, whispering wind.
Moonlight broke through the dense canopy in fleeting silver shards, glinting off the metallic fittings of the carriages like falling stars.
The night air was cool and thick with the rich scent of damp soil and spirit energy.
Somewhere in the distance, the faint cry of a nocturnal beast echoed through the trees, rising and fading like a sigh lost to the ancient forest.
The soft glow of spirit lamps hanging from the carriages painted faint halos of gold against the dark green wilderness, they are leaving behind,illuminating drifting motes of spiritual light.
Inside the second carriage, silence fell heavy after Hanrui's last words—a silence so complete that even the heartbeat of those within seemed hesitant to disturb it.
Then, the stillness shattered in unison as Gu Yuena, Bi Ji, Zi Ji, and Xiao Wu all drew in a collective sharp breath.
The sound cut through the quiet like a spark igniting dry leaves. Their eyes widened—shock, disbelief, and fascination mingling beneath the lamplight.
As they stared at the pill, Hanrui spoke again.
"I'm just calling it the 'Transformation Pill' but, I took inspiration from multiple shape shifting related pills to make it."
The four women exchanged skeptical looks at Hanrui's confident boast.
'we never heard anything about a medicine pill that can help with shapeshifting let alone a medicinal herb and this guy just says there are multiple versions of this pill?
And he made this with inspiration from other similar pills, as if it's his own creation?' They thought simultaneously while looking at each other while
Yet Gu Yuena watched him more fondly, appreciating how Hanrui cared for her subordinates.
"I don't know if it might cause a commotion, so keep it stored for now—you can take it once we reach home."
Hanrui handed Bi Ji and Zi Ji each a Storage Soul Guide he made.
Both nodded, accepting the gifts with a mix of curiosity and caution.
Then he turned to Xiao Wu "So,Xiao Wu, do you feel wronged coming with me?"
Xiao Wu, who came out of her shock witnessing everything Hanrui did, heard him call her,grew puzzled and asked him.
"You know me?"
As it finally dawned on her: she had never even introduced herself to Hanrui or his group, yet Hanrui had called her name earlier when he gave the command to her to leave with him— a command she hadn't resisted despite him being a human soul master.
Hanrui, seeing the rogue rabbit finally realising her blunder, smiled.
"Yes, I know you. And I also know your future. That's why I wanted to take you away."
Xiao Wu looked at him, mouth slightly open, but no words came out.
"I was originally going to come for you later—when you left the Star Dou Forest and reached the human settlement—but since we met, I decided to take you away now."
He paused, his gaze steady and serious. "After all, you're tied up in the plan surrounding the Asura God's inheritor."
His words shocked everyone, causing the Silver Dragon King to clench her fists tightly.
Sensing her tension, Hanrui reached out and took her hand in his, gently rubbing the back of it to soothe her.
"W-what do you mean? Why would a god want anything from me?" Xiao Wu stammered, confusion and fear flickering across her eyes.
A chill crept through her heart as the terrible thought crossed her mind: was she just a pawn in a god's scheme?
Hanrui's voice softened but remained somber. "I won't go into too much detail now, but the Asura God's chosen inheritor who is currently still a child—will be six years old in 6 months.
You would've met him in seven months from now, when you leave the forest and join the academy. If i didn't take you away"
He continued coldly, "His father is a Title Douluo who deceived a transformed soul beast, forcing her to sacrifice herself for him. So, I don't have to spell out your fate, do I?"
Hearing Hanrui's words, except for Gu Yuena who already knows about the situation, the other three get surprised and angry while Xiao Wu gets terrified by the implications of it.
Xiao Wu's shoulders sagged as the weight of his words crashed down on her. Her thoughts tangled with the memories of her mother.
'So instead of avenging her, I've been caught up in this father-son's scheme... and I'm meant to be sacrificed?'
Just as tears threatened to spill, Hanrui flicked his fingers on her forehead, grounding her back in the present.
"I really don't get it, why does a transformed soul beast like you risk entering a city where a title douluo has a chance to appear and recognise your identity.
Especially when you could stay in a village and live and train in a peaceful environment until maturity.
Not to mention your other mindless actions after you joined the academy." he berated her mercilessly, making her flinch.
"You came out of the forest seeking revenge," Hanrui sighed, exasperation coloring his tone. "Instead of practicing seriously, you play big sister and younger brother games."
His words sparked a soft laugh from Bi Ji, Zi Ji, and Gu Yuena. Even Xiao Wu's mood lightened slightly, comforted by the familiar care—just like her mother when she used to scold her.
"Anyway," Hanrui continued with a playful glint, "from now on, you're my personal maid and pet. Disobey me, …." he let the words hang there as he smiled.
Despite the harmless smile that accompanied his threat, Xiao Wu felt a shiver of genuine terror.
"Yes Master, Xiao Wu is at your command" She replied swiftly while nodding her head.
'I never saw my father, but is this how it feels like to have a father?I feel terrified yet warm?' Xiao wu thought while nodding her head like a chicken pecking its grains.
Hanrui then gave her a storage ring with some money and soul power enhancing food.
He then turned his attention to Gu Yuena who was looking at him expectantly despite looking utterly unbothered on the surface.
Amused yet helpless, he pinched her cheek. "You greedy gluten, I'm already tired,giving you part of my memories and healing you a little and you expect more gifts? Hmph,Reflect on your actions, I'm sleeping."
Then in the astonished trio he proceeds to use his chakra to transform into a cat and falls asleep on her lap.
Gu Yuena, who felt guilty just for a second, felt helpless yet intrigued, the next,as she watched a human turn into a cat without soul power or soul skill,but in the end she started patting him slowly.
While Bi Ji, Zi ji and Xiao Wu looked at the transformed Hanrui with interest, but didn't dare to disturb him.
As the carriages are moving, in the first carriage Xue Li who notices her grandson is sleeping with Titled douluo senses smiles.
"Tian'er , Mei'er" she called out to her son and daughter in law, getting their attention.
"I think it's about time I pay a visit to my dear brother and settle some old scores. Rui'er is asleep. Take care of him. I'll be back by morning."
She said as she opened the carriage door and jumped out of it, and summoned her external soul bone Radiant Wings and flew away.
Leaving a bewildered Han Mei and facepalming Wu Tian.
"Well, I don't have any feelings for Uncle, but still I shall pray, you won't do anything stupid and die, after all you are still the Emperor."
Wu Tian muttered aloud, making Han Mei understand the situation,laugh at her husband's antics.
Far away in the Heaven Dou Empire, Imperial Palace,
Emperor Xue Ye, who is getting restless for the past 5 months, stood up suddenly as his son, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe was reporting about official matters, making him confused.
'this feeling, it's getting stronger, and stronger today, i cannot fathom what horror awaits me today, but i hope i survive whatever disaster this is' Xue Ye thought while practically sweating as if an eldritch creature is out for his life.
While Qian Renxue who is disguised as Xue Qinghe looked at him puzzled.
'What is wrong with this Emperor Xue Ye? He has been acting restless and angsty for the past 5 months, not only doubling my workload but also summoning me to frequently give him emotional support.
Sigh,I hope xue ye calms down. If not I'll have a mental breakdown one of these days' she thought.
In just half an hour Xue Li reached Heaven Dou Empire touched down, and Shown her identity token to the guards at the gate and left inside without a word.
The guards who checked her identity swiftly sent the word to the Emperor.
At the Imperial Palace,
The heavy wooden door to the imperial audience chamber rapped sharply, its sound echoing through the spacious hall.
A firm voice called out, "Your Majesty, Captain Lin Ji, Royal Guard, requests an audience to deliver an important report."
Within the throne room, Emperor Xue Ye calmed himself, sat down and nodded, his expression grave but composed. "Enter, Captain Lin Ji. Speak freely."
Lin Ji stepped in with measured grace, his armor gleaming under the ornate chandeliers. Reaching the designated spot before the throne, he executed a deep bow, lowering his gaze in respect.
"Your Majesty," he began, his voice steady and respectful, "former Princess Xue Li has entered the city. Her movements suggest she is deliberately making her way toward the palace.
No hostile forces accompany her, and all appears orderly at present. I await your command for further actions."
The emperor's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, absorbing the news as the guard awaited further instruction, the thick silence filled only by the flicker of torchlight on marble.
'I see, it's her, no wonder I felt uneasy.It's been decades since we last saw each other and you still scare me to death, sister.' Xue ye thought with melancholy.
'I wonder if you came for revenge after all this time or something else, but I truly regret hurting you my dear sister.
so long as it has nothing to do with the Throne whatever you do, whatever you want your brother will give you.' Xue Ye gets lost in thought as he keeps thinking of the past.
Qian Renxue who is playing as Xue Qinghe at the side gets surprised as this is the first time she got to see this genius Warrior Princess.
That even the original Xue Qinghe haven't met.
She heard about this princess who doted on her younger brother who's currently the emperor fiercely, but something happened and she left his side.
The information of the incident was erased so thoroughly it is hard for even the spirit hall to get access to it(allegedly).
'I wonder what her return represents' she thought.
Just then another guard arrived to deliver information.
Emperor Xue Ye who was lost in his reverie woke up and signalled him to speak.
"Your majesty, former Princess Xue Li, requested your audience and left a message."
Hearing that his sister requested his audience he felt overjoyed that she might've forgiven him and just about to order him to let her in.
But hearing the last part he frowned in thought for a second and sighed in understanding and let the guard continue.
The guard bowed his head and repeated the message "I think i have given you enough time for reminiscing little brother, if you think it's not enough I'll wait"
Hearing the message he laughed bitterly and ordered the guards to let her in and dismissed them.
Just then a regal woman enters the imperial palace with breathtaking grace. Her long, silvery hair cascades over her shoulders, adorned with an elegant ornamental clip, accentuating her noble lineage.
She wears a flowing white gown embroidered with intricate golden patterns—lotus motifs and artful swirling designs reflect both purity and refinement.
Around her neck glints a fine pendant, its gemstone radiating a subtle power that matches her poise. The formal robe's wide sleeves sway softly as she proceeds, each step measured and dignified.
She stopped walking just a few meters away from the throne and looked at her brother with coldness.
Xue Qinghe (Qian Renxue) seeing her for the first time had to admit she(Xue Li) is one of the most beautiful women she(Renxue) had ever seen including herself.
Even her(Xue Li) mere presence commands dignity.
Emperor Xue Ye who saw her after a long time, seeing her still so beautiful and elegant momentarily gets lost of words.
"It's been a long time little brother, you seem to be lost in thought, should i come another time?" She said getting his attention.
"After all this time you still haven't forgiven me, big sister." Emperor Xue Ye said with sadness clearly in his tone.
Instantly he felt suffocated by immense pressure as Xue Li released her title douluo pressure on her brother and summoned her martial soul and soul rings.
Emperor Xue Ye seated on his throne and feeling the pressure and Xue Qinghe standing at the side gets stunned as they notice the martial soul and soul rings.
"Impossible" they blurted out at the same time losing their composure.
But then they notice the last ring "Red".
"100,000 year soul ring" they gasp.
"Heh, nothing is impossible, though I have to thank my grandson for this fortune.
Xue Ye i didn't come here to forgive you, i came here for 2 things.
1. To announce that i, Xue Li the warrior Princess has ascended to title douluo.
My title shall be the Radiant Swan Douluo.
2. I'm here to collect a gift for my grandson who gave me too much. He helped me level up, he helped me evolve my martial soul. So what gift do you think he deserves for this?"
She quirked an eyebrow at her brother and released the title douluo pressure on him.